This was hands-down my favorite meal in Italy. The food. The view. The atmosphere. The service. Magnifico!

We sat on the upper terrace of the Royal Art Cafe Roma overlooking the Colosseum across the street. The view is so amazing you almost feel like you’re on an old movie set instead of a real-life place.

While walking around the Colosseum, there were many establishments with outdoor seating on the sidewalk soliciting our business. To have eaten at any of these places would have had me firmly holding onto my handbag so it didn’t get grabbed by some thief on a vespa. I spotted this place from the top of our double decker bus (#totaltouristjiles). After seeing the other options available in the area I knew this was where I wanted to go!

The Royal Art Cafe is actually a hotel restaurant (think casual Four Seasons dining not Howard Johnsons). We got a table straight away. Frankly, I couldn’t believe there wasn’t a wait.

Obviously, as it overlooks the Colosseum, the restaurant view is spectacular. Bar none, one of the best dining views I’ve ever experienced. The magnificent timelessness and cinematic quality of the Colosseum is overwhelming. And when you think of the centuries of history in this spectacular location it almost takes your breath away.

We ate on the upper terrace. So divine to have a delicious al fresco meal with that view and not have a ton of tourists swarming around on the sidewalk (I know the irony. I know we’re tourists too.).

We got bruschetta for the table to start . . .

Mama and I split the Spaghetti alla Carbonara which we both agreed was the best we’ve ever had. I’ve never made it before but I’d like to master the dish. When it’s done right, it’s one of the best things you can eat! And golly, did the Royal Art Cafe know how to do it! This is some divinely delicious Spaghetti Carbonara . . .

And Miles, my all American husband, got . . . . . . . . a burger! I admit I like to limit my burger intake within America’s boarders but Miles said it was tasty.

The Royal Art Cafe is so totally worth dining at if your in Rome. Even if it’s just to nibble on bruschetta, sip prosecco, and stare at The Colosseum!